Today we’re celebrating one of my original ambassadors — Olivia (@oliviaklovesballet). Every time she steps in front of the camera, she brings more strength, artistry, and quiet determination than the time before. Her steady growth and dedication to her craft are a joy to witness.
Whether she’s dancing with West Jersey Youth Ballet, teaming up with Vivi for portraits, or joining specialty sessions with her sister Brielle, Olivia always shows up ready to work, ready to grow, and ready to create something beautiful.
Happy Birthday, Olivia! Here’s to another year of artistry, confidence, and new creative moments ahead.
This is a once-in-a-generation patriotic portrait series for dancers, built around movement, strength, joy, and American spirit.
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, I’m excited to introduce a new limited dance portrait series: 250 in Motion: An American Spirit Dance Portrait Series.
This concept was created especially for dancers. It combines a large American flag backdrop, red, white, and blue styling, and expressive movement to create portraits that feel bold, celebratory, and timeless.
The goal of this series is simple: to celebrate the spirit of the moment through dance.
An American Spirit Dance Portrait Series. Three of my dance ambassadors model for the concept photo session! Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyAn American Spirit Dance Portrait Series. Three of my dance ambassadors model for the concept photo session! Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
These sessions are not about costumes, props, or novelty. They are about movement, strength, personality, and creating something memorable during a once-in-a-generation milestone year. Dancers can keep the look clean and classic with a simple red, white, or blue leotard, or add more movement with a skirt, fabric, or other dancewear that fits the patriotic theme.
A limited dance portrait experience celebrating America’s 250th birthday through movement, strength, and patriotic style.
The first test session brought this idea to life beautifully. We created everything from strong standing portraits to dramatic leaps, flowing fabric images, ballet-inspired poses, and fun Americana-inspired moments. The result is a series that feels energetic, proud, artistic, and very much centered on the dancer.
250 in Motion is a great fit for dancers who want something different from a traditional recital or studio portrait. It can work for ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, or any dancer who wants a patriotic portrait with personality.
Session availability will be limited due to my spring and early summer schedule. If you are interested in creating your own 250 in Motion portraits, please reach out for details and available dates.
More of my favorite images from the initial session:
Today we’re celebrating one of the most dedicated and artistic dancers on our ambassador team — Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe). From studio portraits to sunflower fields, the Silk Mill, and Columcille, she brings intention, grace, and a beautiful work ethic to every session.
Her flexibility (thank you, homeschooling!) and her passion for dance make creating with her such a joy. I’m grateful she’s part of this ambassador family and excited for everything she’ll continue to grow into this year.
Happy Birthday, Lily! Here’s to another year of artistry, confidence, and unforgettable moments.
Every year, there are a few events on my photography calendar that I genuinely look forward to, and the Mary Help of Christians Dance Showcase is always right at the top of the list. Capturing the energy, movement, and sheer talent of these students never fails to inspire me.
The Magic of Great Instruction
A massive part of what makes this program so incredible is their dance instructor, Hannah Battista. Because Hannah is a talented dancer herself, she brings a level of authentic expertise, empathy, and passion to the floor that completely transforms her students. You can see the trust they have in her reflected in every routine—whether they are holding a flawless ballet pose or executing a high-energy contemporary piece.
A Unique Approach to Fitness
One of the most amazing things about the MHC Dance program is how the school integrates it into the curriculum. Instead of traditional gym classes, the girls are actually allowed to take dance class in lieu of physical education! It’s a brilliant way to keep students active, engaged, and passionate about physical fitness. They aren’t just running laps; they are learning choreography, spatial awareness, teamwork, and artistic expression.
Showcase Highlights
This year’s showcase was nothing short of spectacular. I’ve put together a collage of some of my absolute favorite moments from the performance, capturing a mix of clean studio portraits and the vibrant, dramatic energy of the live stage production.
Today we’re celebrating one of the most creative and multi‑talented artists on our ambassador team — Elijah (@elijahinthearts). Whether he’s dancing, acting, modeling, or teaming up for one of his signature duets, he brings energy, imagination, and heart into every session.
It’s been amazing watching him grow across so many art forms, and I’m grateful for every moment we’ve created together.
Happy Birthday, Elijah! Here’s to another year of creativity, confidence, and big artistic adventures ahead.
Today we’re celebrating one of the brightest young artists on our ambassador team — Rylea (@balletlifeofrylea). Thoughtful, dedicated, and quietly powerful, she brings so much heart to every session we create together. Whether she’s stepping onto a stage, exploring a new location, or sharing her ideas between shots, she always shows up with intention and grace.
Watching her grow this year — as a dancer, as an artist, and as a collaborator — has been a joy. I’m grateful she’s part of this ambassador family, and I can’t wait to see what she creates next.
Happy Birthday, Rylea! Here’s to another year of creativity, confidence, and beautiful moments ahead.
I have had the pleasure of photographing and recording video for Hunterdon Hills Ballet for several years now, and every season, I am struck by the same thing: the talent on that stage is absolutely first-class.
While the spring season usually brings a variety of different performances, this year the school “changed it up” by staged the timeless classic, Sleeping Beauty. It was a magnificent production, filled with vibrant costumes, intricate choreography, and the high-level artistry I’ve come to expect from these dedicated dancers.
Below are some of my favorite highlights from the recent production:
The colorful “Fairies” ensemble from Hunterdon Hills Ballet’s 2026 production of Sleeping Beauty.Hunterdon Hill Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty Saturday Mainee May 9. 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Looking Ahead: Auditions and The Nutcracker
Partnering with Hunterdon Hills Ballet is always a highlight of my year, and I’m already looking forward to our future collaborations. Whether it’s capturing the grandeur of a full production or working one-on-one with students, I am constantly inspired by their grace.
With fall just around the corner, The Nutcracker will be here before we know it! Now is the perfect time for dancers to update their portfolios. If you are in need of:
It was such a pleasure returning to work with the talented dancers of the West Jersey Youth Ballet for their annual recital portraits. Every year brings something special, but this season felt particularly energized.
The highlight of this year’s picture day was definitely the new studio space. Having a studio that is both wider and taller made a world of difference for the technical side of the shoot. The extra room allowed for more dynamic posing and better lighting angles, making the entire process smoother for both the dancers and the photography team.
It was also wonderful to see so many familiar faces; several of my Dance Ambassadors train here, and their professionalism and passion always shine through the lens. From the youngest performers to the most seasoned dancers, the dedication in the room was palpable.
I’m already looking forward to seeing these beautiful routines come to life on stage when I return to record their recital video next month!
A Tradition of Artistry at Mary Help There is a beautiful sense of continuity in returning to a school year after year. This season marked my fourth time photographing the dancers at Mary Help of Christians Academy. As an all-girls Catholic school with a deep commitment to the arts, the atmosphere is always one of focused talent and wonderful school spirit.
The After-School “Elite” Sessions While we capture every dancer during the day, my absolute favorite part of this residency is the special after-school session we offer. This is a time specifically set aside for the “best of the best”—those dancers who live and breathe their craft.
Away from the hustle of the school day, these performers truly have the space to shine. It is a joy to work with dancers who are so technically proficient and eager to push their creative boundaries in front of the camera. The resulting portraits are always among the most striking of the year.
A Tribute to Miss Hannah The high caliber of dance at Mary Help is no accident. These students are truly blessed with a wonderful and talented teacher in Miss Hannah. Her dedication to her students and her eye for choreography make my job behind the lens so much easier. It’s clear that her guidance helps these young women find their confidence and their “light.”
View Your 2026 Portraits The professional galleries for this session are finished! If you are a parent or student at Mary Help, reach out to me or Miss Hannah if you didn’t receive the link view and purchase your portraits.
A Decade of Dance Excellence There is a unique energy that fills a dance studio, and at ShowBiz Kidz Dance Center, that energy is truly something special. For over 10 years, I’ve had the honor of serving as their official photographer, and every season I am blown away by the growth, discipline, and pure joy these performers bring to the lens.
Three Days, Hundreds of Dancers The sheer talent at ShowBiz Kidz is so vast it takes us three full days to capture every solo, duo, and troupe! From the youngest tiny tots to the advanced competitive dancers, the dedication from both the students and the fantastic teachers at this studio is evident in every frame.
Whether it’s the intricate details of a costume or the perfect lines of a seasoned performer, these sessions are about more than just a photo—they are a celebration of the hard work put in all year long.
View and Purchase Your Photos The wait is over! Photographs from our most recent sessions are officially available for viewing and purchase.
Gallery Access: If you have not yet received the link to your dancer’s professional gallery, please reach out to me directly.
Prints & Digital: A variety of high-quality prints and digital downloads are available to commemorate this season.
Thank you to the staff, parents, and of course, the incredible dancers of ShowBiz Kidz for another fantastic year behind the lens!
